air conditioning system

Abstract

The air conditioning system (10) includes: an outdoor unit (12) having a control device (12A); an indoor unit (13) connected to the control device (12A) in a manner that enables communication; and an external gas handling unit (21) connected to the control device (12A) in a manner that enables communication. The indoor unit (13) is capable of performing normal operation control and output limiting control. In normal operation control, the temperature of air drawn in from the room is regulated and the air is supplied to the room. In output limiting control, the output is limited compared to the output of normal operation control. The external gas handling unit (21) is capable of performing normal operation control and output limiting control. In normal operation control, at least one of the temperature and humidity of air drawn in from the outside is regulated and the air is supplied to the room. In output limiting control, the output is limited compared to the output of normal operation control. When the indoor unit (13) switches from normal operation control to output limiting control, the control device (12A) causes the external gas handling unit (21) to switch from normal operation control to output limiting control.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an air conditioning system. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses an air conditioning system including an air conditioner and an external gas handling unit. The air conditioner includes an outdoor unit and an indoor unit connected by a refrigerant circuit. The indoor unit draws in indoor air, regulates the temperature of the air, and blows it into the room. The external gas handling unit draws in outdoor air, regulates the temperature and humidity of the air, and blows it into the room.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2010-121912. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] External air handling units are typically installed in concealed locations such as behind ceilings and connected via ducts to air outlets formed in the ceiling. Therefore, users sometimes do not notice the presence of the external air handling unit, and even after using the room, they simply stop the air conditioning unit, leaving the external air handling unit running, which can sometimes consume unnecessary electricity.

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is to suppress the power consumption caused by the operation of an external gas handling unit.

[0009] Technical solutions adopted to solve technical problems

[0010] The air conditioning system disclosed herein includes: an outdoor unit having a control device; an indoor unit connected to the control device in a manner enabling communication; and an external gas handling unit.

[0011] The external gas handling unit is connected in a manner that enables communication with the control device. The indoor unit is capable of performing normal operation control and output limiting control. In the normal operation control, the temperature of the air drawn in from the room is regulated and the air is supplied to the room. In the output limiting control, the output is limited compared to the output of the normal operation control.

[0012] The external gas handling unit is capable of performing normal operation control and output limiting control. In the normal operation control, at least one of the temperature and humidity of the air drawn in from the outside is regulated and the air is supplied to the indoor unit. In the output limiting control, the output is limited compared to the output of the normal operation control. When the indoor unit switches from normal operation control to output limiting control, the control device causes the external gas handling unit to switch from normal operation control to output limiting control.

[0013] In air conditioning systems with the above structure, when the output of the indoor unit is limited, the output of the outdoor gas handling unit can also be limited in conjunction. Therefore, the power consumption caused by the operation of the outdoor gas handling unit can be suppressed.

[0014] (2) Based on the air conditioning system described in (1) above, it is ideal to include multiple indoor units.

[0015] When all the indoor units switch to output limiting control, the control device also switches the external gas handling unit to output limiting control. In cases where the air conditioning system includes multiple indoor units, the output of the external gas handling unit can be suppressed in a coordinated manner when all indoor units switch to output limiting control.

[0016] (3) Based on the air conditioning system described in (2) above, ideally, the output limiting control of the indoor unit and the outdoor gas handling unit includes a stop control that stops the output.

[0017] When all the indoor units switch to stop control, the control device causes the external gas handling unit to switch to stop control.

[0018] Based on the above structure, for example, when the indoor unit stops due to the end of room use, the outdoor gas handling unit can also be stopped in conjunction.

[0019] (4) Based on the air conditioning system described in (2) above, it is ideal for the output limiting control of the indoor unit to include a stop control that stops the output.

[0020] The output limiting control of the external gas handling unit includes suppression control that suppresses the output.

[0021] When all the indoor units switch to stop control, the control device switches the external gas handling unit to suppression control.

[0022] In the above situation, when all indoor units suppress their output through stop control, the outdoor gas handling unit can also suppress its output in conjunction.

[0023] (5) Based on any of the air conditioning systems in (2) to (4) above, it is more ideal that the output limiting control of the indoor unit includes a stop control to stop the output and a suppression control to suppress the output.

[0024] The output limiting control of the external gas handling unit includes suppression control that suppresses the output.

[0025] When all the indoor units switch to output limiting control, and at least one of the indoor units switches to suppression control, the control device causes the external gas handling unit to switch to suppression control.

[0026] In the above situation, when all indoor units suppress their output through suppression control or stop control, the external gas handling unit can also suppress its output in conjunction.

[0027] (6) Based on the air conditioning system described in (3) above, ideally, after all the indoor units are switched to stop control and the external gas handling unit is switched to stop control, the external gas handling unit maintains stop control when at least one of the indoor units is switched to normal operation control.

[0028] Based on the above structure, even if any indoor unit switches from stop control to normal operation control, the external gas handling unit will not be linked and will maintain stop control. Therefore, unnecessary operation of the external gas handling unit can be prevented.

[0029] (7) Based on the air conditioning system described in (4) above, ideally, after all the indoor units are switched to stop control and the external gas handling unit is switched to suppression control, when any one of the indoor units is switched to normal operation control, the control device switches the external gas handling unit to normal operation control.

[0030] (8) Based on the air conditioning system described in (5) above, ideally, after all the indoor units switch to output limiting control and the external gas handling unit switches to suppression control, when any one of the indoor units switches to normal operation control, the control device switches the external gas handling unit to normal operation control.

[0031] (9) Based on the air conditioning system described in (4), (5), (7) or (8) above, it is ideal for the outdoor unit to include a compressor.

[0032] The outdoor unit, the indoor unit, and the external gas handling unit are connected via a refrigerant circuit that circulates the refrigerant using the compressor.

[0033] The suppression control of the external gas handling unit is accompanied by the shutdown of the compressor.

[0034] Based on the above structure, by stopping the compressor of the outdoor unit, suppression control of the external gas handling unit can be performed. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a refrigerant circuit in an air conditioning system.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a table showing the correspondence between the output limit control of the indoor unit and the output limit control of the external gas handling unit involved in the linkage control.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing steps of the first control device of the outdoor unit, from switching to output limiting control to reverting to normal operation control.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a table showing the correspondence between the output limiting control of the indoor unit and the output limiting control of the external gas handling unit in a variation of the linkage control.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing steps of the first control device of the outdoor unit, from switching to output limiting control to reverting to normal operation control. Detailed Implementation

[0041] [Structure of an air conditioning system]

[0042] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an example of the structure of an air conditioning system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The air conditioning system 10 regulates the temperature and humidity within the interior (object space) S of room R. The air conditioning system 10 includes an air conditioner 11 and an external gas handling unit 21. The air conditioner 11 includes an outdoor unit 12 disposed outside room R; and an indoor unit 13 disposed inside room R. In this embodiment, the indoor unit 13 is disposed on the ceiling R1 or the back of the ceiling. The external gas handling unit 12 is disposed on the back of the ceiling of room R. The external gas handling unit 21 is connected to the outside and the object space S via pipes 21C and 21D.

[0043] Outdoor unit 12 has a first control device 12A. Outdoor unit 13 has a second control device 13A. The second control device 13A of indoor unit 13 can communicate with the first control device 12A of outdoor unit 12 via a communication line. A remote control 13B is connected to the second control device 13A of indoor unit 13. The user can operate the air conditioner 11 via the remote control 13B.

[0044] In the air conditioner 11 of this embodiment, multiple indoor units 13 are connected to an outdoor unit 12. The second control devices 13A of the multiple indoor units 13 can communicate with the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12. The first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 can identify each indoor unit 13 by receiving an identification code from the second control device 13A of each indoor unit 13. The remote control 13B for each indoor unit 13 can be provided for each indoor unit 13, or a single remote control can be provided for all multiple indoor units 13.

[0045] The external gas handling unit 21 has a third control device 21A. The third control device 21A of the external gas handling unit 21 can communicate with the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 via a communication line. A remote control 21B is connected to the third control device 21A of the external gas handling unit 21. The user can operate the external gas handling unit 21 via the remote control 21B. The first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 can identify the external gas handling unit 21 and each indoor unit 13 by receiving an identification code from the third control device 13A of the external gas handling unit 21.

[0046] The first control device 12A, the second control device 13A, and the third control device 21A are each composed of a computer equipped with a processor and memory. Each control device 12A, 13A, and 21A performs various functions by executing control programs stored in memory through the processor.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the refrigerant circuit in an air conditioning system 10.

[0048] Outdoor unit 12, indoor unit 13, and external gas handling unit 21 are connected via a refrigerant circuit 31 of a system. Outdoor unit 12 includes a compressor 32, an outdoor heat exchanger 33, a fan 34, a four-way switching valve 35, and an expansion mechanism 36. The compressor 32 circulates the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit. The outdoor heat exchanger 33 allows heat exchange between the refrigerant and air, causing the air temperature to rise or fall. The fan 34 generates airflow and supplies the air to the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The four-way switching valve 35 switches between two configurations: allowing the refrigerant ejected from the compressor 32 to flow towards the outdoor heat exchanger 33, and allowing the refrigerant ejected from the compressor 32 to flow towards the indoor heat exchangers 38 and 41 (described later). The expansion mechanism 36, consisting of an electric expansion valve, regulates the flow rate of the refrigerant through the outdoor heat exchanger 33. The operation of the compressor 32, fan 34, four-way switching valve 35, and expansion mechanism 36 of outdoor unit 12 is controlled by a first control device 12A (see reference). Figure 1 )control.

[0049] The indoor unit 13 includes an indoor heat exchanger 38, a fan 39, and an expansion mechanism 40. The indoor heat exchanger 38 facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant and air, causing the air temperature to rise or fall. The fan 39 generates airflow and supplies the air to the indoor heat exchanger 38. The expansion mechanism 40, consisting of an electric expansion valve, regulates the flow rate of the refrigerant through the indoor heat exchanger 38. The operation of the fan 39 and the expansion mechanism 40 of the outdoor unit 13 is controlled by a second control device 13A (see reference). Figure 1 )control.

[0050] The external gas handling unit 21 includes an indoor heat exchanger 41, a fan 42, an expansion mechanism 43, and a humidifier 44. The indoor heat exchanger 41 facilitates heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air, causing the air temperature to rise or fall. The fan 42 generates airflow and supplies the air to the indoor heat exchanger 41 and the humidifier 44. The expansion mechanism 43, consisting of an electrically operated expansion valve, regulates the flow rate of the refrigerant through the indoor heat exchanger 41. The humidifier 44 includes elements that retain moisture and humidifies the air passing through these elements. The operation of the fan 42 and the expansion mechanism 43 of the external gas handling unit 21 is controlled by a third control device 21A.

[0051] The outdoor unit 12, indoor unit 13, and external gas handling unit 21 can perform air conditioning of the target space S by operating a well-known vapor compression refrigeration cycle. Through this refrigeration cycle, the indoor unit 13 can regulate the temperature of the air drawn into the target space S using the indoor heat exchanger 38 and then blow it out of the target space S, thereby performing air conditioning. In this specification, the output of the indoor unit 13 refers to its ability to raise or lower the temperature of the air in the target space S through the indoor unit 13.

[0052] The external air handling unit 21 regulates the air by adjusting the temperature and humidity of air drawn in from outside and blowing it into the target space S. Specifically, the temperature of the air drawn in from outside by the fan 42 of the external air handling unit 21 is regulated by the indoor heat exchanger 41, and the humidity is regulated by the humidifier 44. Furthermore, in this specification, the output of the external air handling unit 21 refers to its ability to raise or lower the temperature and humidity of the air in the target space S. The external air handling unit 21 may also regulate only either the temperature or the humidity of the target space S.

[0053] The second control device 13A of the indoor unit 13 performs normal operation control and output limiting control, in which the output is limited compared to the output of normal operation control. Normal operation control is achieved by adjusting the opening degree of the expansion mechanism 40 and the speed of the fan 39 to regulate the temperature of the target space S to a predetermined target temperature. Output limiting control includes suppression control to inhibit output and control to stop operation (stop control). Suppression control can be configured, for example, to stop the flow of refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger 38 by keeping the drive fan 39 closed and the expansion mechanism 40 closed. Stop control can be configured to close the expansion mechanism 40 and stop the fan 39 by using the remote control 13B to stop operation.

[0054] The third control unit 21A of the external gas handling unit 21 also performs normal operation control and output limiting control, in which the output is limited compared to the output of normal operation control. Normal operation control is achieved by adjusting the opening of the expansion mechanism 43 and the speed of the fan 42 to regulate the temperature and humidity of the target space S to predetermined target values. Output limiting control includes suppression control to inhibit output and control to stop operation (stop control). Suppression control can be configured, for example, to stop the flow of refrigerant to the indoor heat exchanger 41 by keeping the drive fan 42 closed and the expansion mechanism 43 closed. Stop control can be configured to close the expansion mechanism 43 and stop the fan 42 by using the remote control 21B to stop operation.

[0055] The first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 communicates with the second control device 13A of the indoor unit 13 and the third control device 21A of the external gas handling unit 21, and receives the control status from each control device 13A, 21A. Therefore, the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 can identify whether the indoor unit 13 and the external gas handling unit 21 are in either normal operation control or output limiting control.

[0056] In this embodiment, the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 performs "linkage control" in conjunction with the outdoor unit 13 when the outdoor unit 13 switches to output limiting control, thereby switching the external gas handling unit 21 to output limiting control. Hereinafter, the "linkage control" will be described in detail.

[0057] [Linkage control achieved by the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12]

[0058] Figure 3 This is a table showing the correspondence between the output limiting control of the indoor unit 13 and the output limiting control of the external gas handling unit 21 involved in the linkage control. In the table, the output limiting control of the indoor unit 13 is represented by the corresponding state of the output limiting control of the external gas handling unit 21, which is switched by the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12. The first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 switches the external gas handling unit 21 to... Figure 3 Control is executed in the manner shown in (A) to (D).

[0059] Figure 3 (A) indicates that when all indoor units 13 are switched to output limiting control and at least one of them is suppression control, in other words, when all indoor units 13 are switched to suppression control or when indoor units 13 switched to suppression control are mixed with indoor units 13 switched to stop control, the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 performs control to switch the external gas handling unit 21 to suppression control.

[0060] Figure 3 (B) indicates that when all indoor units 13 are switched to stop control, the first control device 12A of outdoor unit 12 performs control to switch the external gas handling unit 21 to suppression control.

[0061] Figure 3 (C) indicates that when any indoor unit 13 switches to normal operation control from the state described in (A) above, the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 performs control to switch the external gas handling unit 21 from suppression control to normal operation control.

[0062] Figure 3 (D) indicates that when any indoor unit 13 switches to normal operation control from the state described in (B) above, the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 performs control to switch the external gas handling unit 21 from suppression control to normal operation control.

[0063] Next, the specific processing steps of the first control device 12A involved in the linkage control will be explained.

[0064] Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing steps of the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 from the indoor unit 13 switching to output limiting control to returning to normal operation control.

[0065] The first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 is in Figure 4 In step S11, the control status of the indoor unit 13 and the external gas handling unit 21 are received from the second control device 13A and the third control device 21A, respectively.

[0066] In step S12, the first control device 12A determines whether all indoor units 13 have switched to output limiting control; in other words, it determines whether all indoor units 13 have switched to suppression control or stop control. Figure 3 The first control device 12A determines the state of (A) or (B) in step S12. If the first control device 12A makes a positive (yes) determination in step S12, it sends a signal indicating a switch to suppression control to the third control device 21A of the external gas handling unit 21 in step S13. The third control device 21A of the external gas handling unit 21 performs suppression control based on the indication signal from the first control device 12A.

[0067] Next, the first control device 12A controls the compressor 32 of the outdoor unit 12 to stop in step S14. Until step S13, all indoor units 13 are switched to suppression control or stop control, and the external gas handling unit 21 is switched to suppression control. Therefore, there is no obstacle even if the compressor 32 is stopped. Thus, operating time can be reduced and power consumption suppressed by stopping the compressor 32. The switch of the external gas handling unit 21 to suppression control can also be performed by the first control device 12A controlling the compressor 32 to stop. For example, if the compressor 32 is stopped, refrigerant will not flow to the indoor heat exchanger 41 of the external gas handling unit 21. Therefore, the external gas handling unit 21 is essentially under suppression control.

[0068] If the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 receives a signal indicating a switch to normal operation control from the second control device 13A of any indoor unit 13 in step S15, then in step S16, the compressor 32 restarts operation. Next, in step S17, the first control device 12A sends a signal indicating a switch to normal operation control to the third control device 21A of the external gas handling unit 21. The third control device 21A of the external gas handling unit 21 performs normal operation control based on the indication signal from the first control device 12A.

[0069] Therefore, the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 can be linked with the output limiting control of the indoor unit 13 to switch the external gas handling unit 21 to output limiting control. As a result, during the period when the indoor unit 13 is under suppression control or is stopped, the external gas handling unit 21 can be prevented from continuously operating unnecessarily, thereby suppressing the power consumption caused by the excessive operation of the external gas handling unit 21.

[0070] [Variation Example]

[0071] Figure 5 This is a table showing the correspondence between the output limiting control of the indoor unit 13 and the output limiting control of the outdoor gas handling unit 21 in a variation of the linkage control. The first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 switches the outdoor gas handling unit 21 to... Figure 5 Control is performed in the manner shown in (E) to (H).

[0072] Figure 5 (E) indicates that when all indoor units 13 are switched to output limiting control and at least one of them is suppression control, in other words, when all indoor units 13 are switched to suppression control or when indoor units 13 switched to suppression control are mixed with indoor units 13 switched to stop control, the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 performs control to switch the external gas handling unit 21 to suppression control.

[0073] Figure 5 (F) indicates that when all indoor units 13 are switched to stop control, the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 performs control to switch the external gas handling unit 21 to stop control.

[0074] Figure 5 (G) indicates that when any indoor unit 13 switches to normal operation control from the control state described above (E), the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 performs control to switch the external gas handling unit 21 from suppression control to normal operation control.

[0075] Figure 5 (H) indicates that when any indoor unit 13 switches to normal operation control from the control state described above (F), the outdoor unit 12 remains stopped.

[0076] Next, the specific processing steps of the first control device 12A involved in the modified example of linkage control will be explained.

[0077] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the processing steps of the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 from the indoor unit 13 switching to output limiting control to returning to normal operation control.

[0078] The first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 is in Figure 6 In step S21, the control status of the indoor unit 13 and the external gas handling unit 21 are received from the second control device 13A and the third control device 21A, respectively.

[0079] In step S22, the first control device 12A determines whether all indoor units 13 should switch to output limit control. If the first control device 12A determines "yes" in step S22, then in step S23, it determines whether all indoor units 13 should switch to stop control. If the first control device 12A determines "yes" in step S23, all indoor units 13 switch to stop control. Figure 5 (F) state). If the first control device 12A makes a negative (no) judgment, all indoor units 13 switch to output limiting control, and at least one of them switches to suppression control. Figure 5 The state of (E).

[0080] If the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 makes a positive (yes) determination in step S23, it sends a signal indicating a switch to stop control to the third control device 21A of the external gas handling unit 21 in step S24. The third control device 21A of the external gas handling unit 21 executes stop control based on the indication signal from the first control device 12A.

[0081] In step S25, the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 controls the compressor 32 of the outdoor unit 12 to stop. Until step S23, all indoor units 13 and external gas handling units 21 are switched to stop control, so even if the compressor 32 is stopped, no obstruction will occur, and power consumption can be suppressed by reducing the operating time of the compressor 32.

[0082] If the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 receives a signal indicating a switch to normal operation control from the second control device 13A of any indoor unit 13 in step S26, then in step S27, the compressor 32 restarts operation. This enables normal operation control of any indoor unit 13. Subsequently, the first control device 12A keeps the outdoor gas handling unit 21 stopped without sending a signal indicating a switch to normal operation control to the third control device 21A of the outdoor gas handling unit 21.

[0083] On the other hand, if the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 makes a negative (no) judgment in step S23, it sends a signal indicating a switch to suppression control to the third control device 21A of the external gas handling unit 21 in step S28. The third control device 21A of the external gas handling unit 21 performs suppression control based on the indication signal from the first control device 12A.

[0084] Next, the first control device 12A controls the compressor 32 of the outdoor unit 12 to stop in step S29. Until step S28, all indoor units 13 switch to suppression control or stop control, and the external gas handling unit 21 switches to suppression control. Therefore, even if the compressor 32 is stopped, no obstruction will occur, and power consumption can be suppressed by reducing the operating time of the compressor 32. Furthermore, the switch of the external gas handling unit 21 to suppression control can also be executed by the first control device 12A controlling the compressor 32 to stop.

[0085] If the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 receives a signal indicating a switch to normal operation control from the second control device 13A of any indoor unit 13 in step S30, then in step S31, the compressor 32 restarts operation. This enables normal operation control of any indoor unit 13. Next, in step S32, the first control device 12A sends a signal indicating a switch to normal operation control to the third control device 21A of the external gas handling unit 21. The third control device 21A of the external gas handling unit 21 performs normal operation control based on the indication signal from the first control device 12A.

[0086] In the above variation, the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 can be linked with the output limiting control of the indoor unit 13 to switch the external gas handling unit 21 to output limiting control. Therefore, during periods when the indoor unit 13 is under suppression control or stopped, the external gas handling unit 21 can be prevented from continuous unnecessary operation, thereby suppressing power consumption caused by excessive operation of the external gas handling unit 21.

[0087] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0088] The first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 is also an acceptable option. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The linkage control method shown and Figure 5 and Figure 6 The system can perform any of the linkage control methods shown, and execute the linkage control in the selected method. In the above case, for example, a dual in-line package switch for selecting the linkage control method is pre-installed on the control board of the computer on which the first control device 12A is installed. When the air conditioner 11 and the external gas handling unit 21 are installed, the linkage control method can be selected by the settings of the maintenance personnel.

[0089] The air conditioning system 10 of the above embodiment includes multiple indoor units 13, but may also include only one indoor unit 13. The air conditioning system 10 of the above embodiment includes one external gas handling unit 21, but may also include multiple external gas handling units 21. The air conditioning system 10 of the above embodiment includes one outdoor unit 12, but may also include multiple outdoor units 12. In this case, linkage control can be performed through a first control device 12A of one of the multiple outdoor units 12 (the main unit).

[0090] In addition to the suppression control illustrated in the above embodiments, the suppression control of the indoor unit 13 and the outdoor gas handling unit 21 can also employ the following suppression control: setting the speed of fans 39 and 42 to the same speed as normal operation control, and making the opening degree of expansion mechanisms 40 and 43 smaller than that of expansion mechanisms 40 and 43 in normal operation control. Suppression control can also employ the following control: making the speed of fans 39 and 42 lower than the speed of normal operation control, reducing the heat exchange in indoor heat exchangers 38 and 41, thereby achieving energy saving. In the above cases, this may not be necessary. Figure 4 Step S14 and Figure 6 The compressor 32 is stopped in step S29.

[0091] [Effects of the Implementation Method]

[0092] (1) The air conditioning system 10 of the above embodiment includes: an outdoor unit 12 having a first control device 12A; an indoor unit 13 connected to the control device 12A in a manner capable of communicating with it; and an external gas handling unit 21 connected to the first control device 12A in a manner capable of communicating with it. The indoor unit 13 can perform normal operation control and output limiting control. In the normal operation control, the temperature of air drawn in from the room is adjusted and the air is supplied to the room. In the output limiting control, the output is limited compared to the output of the normal operation control. The external gas handling unit 21 can perform normal operation control and output limiting control. In the normal operation control, at least one of the temperature and humidity of air drawn in from the outside is adjusted and the air is supplied to the room. In the output limiting control, the output is limited compared to the output of the normal operation control. When the indoor unit 13 switches from normal operation control to output limiting control, the first control device 12A causes the external gas handling unit 21 to switch from normal operation control to output limiting control. Therefore, in situations such as when the temperature of the target space S reaches a predetermined target temperature, causing the indoor unit 13 to switch to suppression control, or when the operation of the indoor unit 13 stops, the output of the outdoor gas handling unit 21 can also be limited when the output of the indoor unit 13 is restricted. This suppresses the power consumption caused by the operation of the outdoor gas handling unit 21.

[0093] Furthermore, although the air conditioning system 10 of this embodiment does not include a known centralized controller for unified control of the outdoor unit 12, indoor unit 13, and external gas handling unit 21, the first control device 12A of the outdoor unit 12 can identify the control status of the indoor unit 13 and the external gas handling unit 21, and can supply an instruction for switching between output limiting control and normal operation control to the external gas handling unit 21 through the first control device 12A, thereby realizing the linkage control between the indoor unit 13 and the external gas handling unit 21. Therefore, even in a relatively small-scale air conditioning system 10 that does not include a centralized controller, it is possible to uniformly control multiple indoor units 13 and external gas handling units 21.

[0094] (2) The air conditioning system 10 of the above embodiment includes a plurality of indoor units 13. When all indoor units 13 are switched to output limiting control, the first control device 12A causes the external gas handling unit 21 to be switched to output limiting control. Thus, when the air conditioning system 10 includes a plurality of indoor units 13, when all the indoor units 13 are switched to output limiting control, the output of the external gas handling unit 21 can also be suppressed in a coordinated manner.

[0095] (3) In the above embodiment, the output limiting control of the indoor unit 13 and the external gas handling unit 21 includes a stop control that stops the output. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the example shown, when all indoor units 13 are switched to stop control, the first control device 12A switches the external gas handling unit 21 to stop control. Users of room R are unlikely to notice the presence of the external gas handling unit 21 installed on the back of the ceiling, and sometimes, even after finishing using room R, they may only stop the indoor units 13 and forget to stop the external gas handling unit 21. Even in the above situation, since the external gas handling unit 21 can be automatically stopped in conjunction with the stopping of the indoor units 13 in the air conditioning system 10 of the above embodiment, unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed.

[0096] (4) In the above embodiments, the output limiting control of the indoor unit 13 includes a stop control that stops the output, and the output limiting control of the external gas handling unit 21 includes a suppression control that suppresses the output. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example shown, when all indoor units 13 switch to stop control, the first control device 12A causes the external gas handling unit 21 to switch to suppression control. Therefore, when all indoor units 13 suppress their output due to stop control, the external gas handling unit can also suppress its output in conjunction.

[0097] (5) In the above embodiment, the output limiting control of the indoor unit 13 includes a stop control to stop the output and a suppression control to suppress the output, and the output limiting control of the external gas handling unit 21 includes a suppression control to suppress the output. In the above embodiment, when all indoor units 13 switch to output limiting control, and at least one indoor unit 13 switches to suppression control, the first control device 12A switches the external gas handling unit 12 to suppression control. Therefore, when all indoor units 13 suppress their output due to suppression control or stop control, the external gas handling unit 21 can also suppress its output in conjunction.

[0098] (6) In the above embodiments Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the example shown, after all indoor units 13 switch to stop control, causing the external gas handling unit 21 to switch to stop control, the external gas handling unit 21 remains in stop control when at least one indoor unit 13 switches to normal operation control. Therefore, even if any indoor unit 13 switches from stop control to normal operation control, the external gas handling unit 21 can remain in stop control without being affected, thus suppressing unnecessary operation of the external gas handling unit 21.

[0099] (7) In the above embodiments Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the example shown, after all indoor units 13 have switched to stop control and the external gas handling unit 21 has switched to suppression control, when any indoor unit 13 switches to normal operation control, the first control device 12A switches the external gas handling unit 21 to normal operation control. Therefore, when any indoor unit 13 switches to normal operation control, the external gas handling unit 21 can be switched to normal operation control in conjunction with it without user intervention.

[0100] (8) In the above embodiment, after all indoor units 13 have switched to suppression control or to stop control and suppression control, causing the external gas handling unit 21 to switch to suppression control, when any indoor unit 13 switches to normal operation control, the first control device 12A causes the external gas handling unit 21 to switch to normal operation control. Therefore, when any indoor unit 13 switches to normal operation control, the external gas handling unit 21 can be switched to normal operation control in conjunction without user operation.

[0101] (9) In the above embodiment, the outdoor unit 12 includes a compressor 32, and the outdoor unit 12, the indoor unit 13, and the external gas handling unit 21 are connected by a refrigerant circuit 31 through which the refrigerant is circulated using the compressor 32. The suppression control of the external gas handling unit 21 is accompanied by the stopping of the compressor 32. Therefore, by stopping the compressor 32 of the outdoor unit 12, the suppression control of the external gas handling unit 21 can be performed.

[0102] The embodiments have been described above, but it should be understood that various changes in form and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims.

[0103] (Symbol Explanation)

[0104] 10: Air conditioning system;

[0105] 12: Outdoor unit;

[0106] 12A: First control device;

[0107] 13: Indoor unit;

[0108] 21: External gas handling unit;

[0109] 31: Refrigerant circuit;

[0110] 32: Compressor.

Claims

1. An air conditioning system, wherein, include: An outdoor unit (12) having a control device (12A); Indoor unit (13), the indoor unit (13) being connected in a manner capable of communicating with the control device (12A); and An external gas handling unit (21) is connected in a manner that enables communication with the control device (12A). The indoor unit (13) can perform normal operation control and output limiting control. In the normal operation control, the temperature of the air drawn in from the room is regulated and the air is supplied to the room. In the output limiting control, the output is limited compared to the output of the normal operation control. The external gas handling unit (21) is capable of performing normal operation control and output limiting control. In the normal operation control, at least one of the temperature and humidity of the air drawn in from the outside is regulated and the air is supplied to the room. In the output limiting control, the output is limited compared to the output of the normal operation control. When the indoor unit (13) switches from normal operation control to output limiting control, the control device (12A) causes the external gas handling unit (21) to switch from normal operation control to output limiting control. The air conditioning system includes multiple indoor units (13), When all the indoor units (13) switch to output limiting control, the control device (12A) causes the external gas handling unit (21) to switch to output limiting control. The output limiting control of the indoor unit (13) and the external gas handling unit (21) includes a stop control that stops the output. When all the indoor units (13) are switched to stop control, the control device (12A) causes the external gas handling unit (21) to be switched to stop control.

2. The air conditioning system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, After all the indoor units (13) switch to stop control, causing the external gas handling unit (21) to switch to stop control, the external gas handling unit (21) maintains stop control when at least one of the indoor units (13) switches to normal operation control.

3. An air conditioning system, wherein, include: An outdoor unit (12) having a control device (12A); Indoor unit (13), the indoor unit (13) being connected in a manner capable of communicating with the control device (12A); and An external gas handling unit (21) is connected in a manner that enables communication with the control device (12A). The indoor unit (13) can perform normal operation control and output limiting control. In the normal operation control, the temperature of the air drawn in from the room is regulated and the air is supplied to the room. In the output limiting control, the output is limited compared to the output of the normal operation control. The external gas handling unit (21) is capable of performing normal operation control and output limiting control. In the normal operation control, at least one of the temperature and humidity of the air drawn in from the outside is regulated and the air is supplied to the room. In the output limiting control, the output is limited compared to the output of the normal operation control. When the indoor unit (13) switches from normal operation control to output limiting control, the control device (12A) causes the external gas handling unit (21) to switch from normal operation control to output limiting control. The air conditioning system includes multiple indoor units (13), When all the indoor units (13) switch to output limiting control, the control device (12A) causes the external gas handling unit (21) to switch to output limiting control. The output limiting control of the indoor unit (13) includes stop control to stop the output and suppression control to suppress the output. The output limiting control of the external gas handling unit (21) includes suppression control that suppresses the output. When all of the indoor units (13) switch to output limiting control, and at least one of the indoor units (13) switches to suppression control, the control device (12A) causes the external gas handling unit (21) to switch to suppression control.

4. The air conditioning system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, After all the indoor units (13) have switched to output limiting control and the external gas handling unit (21) has switched to suppression control, when any one of the indoor units (13) switches to normal operation control, the control device (12A) switches the external gas handling unit (21) to normal operation control.

5. The air conditioning system as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The outdoor unit (12) includes a compressor (32), The outdoor unit (12), the indoor unit (13), and the external gas handling unit (21) are connected by a refrigerant circuit (31) through which the refrigerant is circulated using the compressor (32). The suppression control of the external gas handling unit (21) is accompanied by the shutdown of the compressor (32).

6. An air conditioning system, wherein, include: An outdoor unit (12) having a control device (12A); Indoor unit (13), the indoor unit (13) being connected in a manner capable of communicating with the control device (12A); and An external gas handling unit (21) is connected in a manner that enables communication with the control device (12A). The indoor unit (13) can perform normal operation control and output limiting control. In the normal operation control, the temperature of the air drawn in from the room is regulated and the air is supplied to the room. In the output limiting control, the output is limited compared to the output of the normal operation control. The external gas handling unit (21) is capable of performing normal operation control and output limiting control. In the normal operation control, at least one of the temperature and humidity of the air drawn in from the outside is regulated and the air is supplied to the room. In the output limiting control, the output is limited compared to the output of the normal operation control. When the indoor unit (13) switches from normal operation control to output limiting control, the control device (12A) causes the external gas handling unit (21) to switch from normal operation control to output limiting control. The air conditioning system includes multiple indoor units (13), When all the indoor units (13) switch to output limiting control, the control device (12A) causes the external gas handling unit (21) to switch to output limiting control. The output limiting control of the indoor unit (13) includes a stop control that stops the output. The output limiting control of the external gas handling unit (21) includes suppression control that suppresses the output. When all the indoor units (13) switch to stop control, the control device (12A) causes the external gas handling unit (21) to switch to suppression control. After all the indoor units (13) have switched to stop control and the external gas handling unit (21) has switched to suppression control, when any one of the indoor units (13) switches to normal operation control, the control device (12A) switches the external gas handling unit (21) to normal operation control.

7. The air conditioning system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The outdoor unit (12) includes a compressor (32), The outdoor unit (12), the indoor unit (13), and the external gas handling unit (21) are connected by a refrigerant circuit (31) through which the refrigerant is circulated using the compressor (32). The suppression control of the external gas handling unit (21) is accompanied by the shutdown of the compressor (32).

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